Inter-library loans service

If you can't find what you want in the library catalogue, you can request books and journal articles not held in Cambridgeshire Libraries or in stock on the shared SPINE catalogue. through the inter-library loan service.

See our webpage on fees and charges. The standard reservation fee is charged if the book is purchased for stock and the inter library loan fee is not charged. The process can take 6 weeks or longer.

You can choose to collect your inter-library loan from any library or mobile library.

Complete the inter-library loan request form to submit your request. You will need to enter your library card number and library PIN.

Alternatively, talk to a member of library staff. 

Submit an inter-library loan request

Suggesting stock for purchase

We will buy books and other items not in the Cambridgeshire stock that are available for purchase and are suitable for adding to permanent stock.

Complete the stock suggestion form to suggest new titles for purchase. You will need to enter your library card number and library PIN.

Alternatively, talk to a member of library staff.

Suggest an item for purchase

Obtaining journal articles

We can request journal articles or chapters from books for you, for private study only.

Complete the request the journal article form to place your request. You will need to enter your library card number and library PIN.

Alternatively, talk to a member of library staff.

Request a journal article

You will also need to download and complete a photocopy request form before we can submit your request.

Photocopy request form93KB–pdf
Size: 93KBFile format: pdf

The completed form should be handed in at your local library or posted to:

Interloans Service
Roger Ascham Library Site
Ascham Road
Cambridge
CB4 2BD

You can also email us at: interloans@cambridgeshire.gov.uk with the signed and completed form.

We cannot place a request for your article until we receive this form. Photocopied articles are usually obtained promptly within ten days of request and are yours to keep.

We will email you when your request is available.

Requests are held for ten days at your chosen library. Uncollected requests are returned to the owning library and will still be charged for.

Inter-library loans can be collected from Community Managed Libraries and mobile libraries (items delivered on a weekly basis).

This depends on the issuing library. Books from other libraries may have a short loan period and may not be available for a standard three week loan.

Occasionally books are not available for home reading and are restricted to ‘in library use only’.

Photocopied periodical articles are yours to keep.

We are happy to request a renewal for your inter-library loan free of charge. However the British Library levies a charge of £6 which we will pass on to you.

Please make your renewal request before the due date, as we may not always be able to obtain an extension.

Standard overdue charges apply to inter-library loans and you are liable for any overdue charges made by the owning library.

If you lose an inter-library loan item, charges made by the owning library will be passed on to you. The British Library charges over £150.00 for a lost book.

No, these items cannot be borrowed from outside Cambridgeshire but may be considered for purchase.